A popular NT theme is to remind the church how Israel of old witnessed many miracles and mighty works from God: the parting of the Red Sea, manna “from heaven,” water from the rock, and so on. Yet they still complained and lost faith, even speaking “against God” (Psalm 78:19). Today, much of Christian Pentecostalism is built around the opposite assumption: that miracles, charismatic gifts of the spirit are the defining marks of faith, and indeed of what constitutes the born-again experience. That is why the Exodus story, along with Scriptures warning against this sort of thing — Deuteronomy 13, Matthew 7, and 2 Thessalonians 2 — are important reminders. They warn us that people can perform signs and wonders and still turn out to be false prophets, false messiahs, and servants of Satan himself.
Jesus gave the clearest warning when he said that many will appeal to this very sort of thing on judgment day:
“Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many miracles?” Matthew 7:22
And his response is terrifying:
“I never recognized you. Depart from me, you who practice wickedness.”
While imagining that they were true believers, they will find out that they had accepted falsehoods uncritically. Tradition learned by heart was a major threat to true belief, Jesus said.
You would think Jesus’ reply would sober up every Pentecostal Christian drunk on today’s made-up false wine — most of whom are not even performing real miracles or genuine charismatic gifts.
Notice what Jesus does not say:
No, you never really did those things; they were fake.
Nor does he say:
“I never knew you because you lacked spiritual power.”
He says they practiced lawlessness — that is, evil.
Paul gives the same warning in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12. Notice the contrast between “the working of Satan” and the preaching of the Kingdom Gospel, which the writer to the Hebrews says was confirmed “by signs and wonders, by various works of power and by gifts of the Holy Spirit” (Hebrews 2:4).
The true gifts served to confirm the message God was revealing through Jesus and the apostles — including the truth about who God is, who Jesus is, and what the Kingdom Gospel is. But the Bible also warns us that there is a satanic counterfeit so effective that it will camouflage deception and ensnare, “if possible,” even the elect — the chosen people of God:
“For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:24
And, as Paul says:
“No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So do not be surprised if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 11:14-15
That is why every Christian is commanded:
“Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1
So do not be fearmongered or bullied by other Christians who accuse you of “quenching the Spirit,” “putting God in a box,” or lacking faith simply because you obey the biblical command to test the spirits.
True faith is not proven by signs, wonders, emotional experiences, or charismatic claims. True faith is proven by love for the truth, obedience to Messiah Jesus, and loyalty to Yahweh, the one true God.
